Ceylon Tea Bungalows

Reposing in the golden-green arms of the hills of Bandarawela, 200-KM from cosmopolitan Colombo, ‘Ceylon Tea Bungalows’ is evocative of colonial British planter life in Ceylon’s hillside.

Best Known For

A tea estate bungalow of the yesteryear, ‘Ceylon Tea Bungalows’ is set within the sweeping, 20-acre Hilpankandura Tea Estate. From morning estate strolls and planter-style breakfasts in the breezy veranda, to dinner barbeques in the midst of the plantation, holidays here are delightfully dovetailed with estate comforts.

The Experience

This heritage bungalow houses 5 elegant guest rooms where classical elegance meets modern-chic; each named after idyllic places in the English Lake District. Nestled in a single cottage cluster, the Appleby, Coniston and Grasmere Rooms with a shared veranda offer lovely four poster beds and sweeping views across the gardens and misty hills beyond. The original bungalow comprises the spacious Windermere and Eskadale Suites, a living room and a dining room. Honey-coloured timber furnishings, floral wallpapers and atmospheric lights come together to choreograph an intimate mood.

Acknowledging colonial planter meal traditions, delicious Rice and Curry and Western Courses brim with home-cooked flavour. Gracious afternoons smell of delightful scones, cakes and pastries; partnered with freshly-brewed Ceylon tea.

Around and About

Hidden amid the enfolding hills of the Badulla District, Bandarawela brings to mind sleepy valleys where time stands still. Explore the majestic Hilpankandura Estate and hike the smoothly-winding hills and rural valleys of the Welimada Basin. Witness nostalgic Kandyan paintings at the Dowa Rock Temple and marvel at the wooden splendour of the Bogoda Bridge. Stroll the English country-cottage gardens of the Adisham Monastery, beautifully reminiscent of Leeds Castle in Kent.

As long afternoon shadows fall, the morning’s diaphanous hazes slowly thicken. Bandarawela; a town dreaming in gracious mists…